Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced the completion of the rolling stock renewal program on the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD). “A major event for the transport industry. This is a huge program that has come to an end,” stated Mr. Sobyanin.

According to the Moscow government press release, the following train models are currently in operation:

  • on MCD-1 (77 trains total): EP2D, “Ivolga,” and “Aeroexpress”;
  • on MCD-2 (87 trains total): EP2D and “Ivolga”;
  • on MCD-3 (122 trains total): EP2D, “Lastochka,” and “Ivolga”;
  • on MCD-4 (112 trains total): EP2D, EP2DM, and “Ivolga”.

The average age of the trains in operation on the diameters is 4.5 years. Since 2014, a total of 398 new trains have been delivered to the MCD. ED4M series electric trains (produced since 1996) are no longer in service on the diameters, according to materials from the capital’s mayoral office. They may still be encountered within Moscow, arriving in the capital from the distant suburbs.

The next stage is the renewal of the rolling stock on the Yaroslavl direction of the Moscow Railway, which is not part of the MCD system but is the busiest in the Central Transport Hub. Currently, 92 trains operate on this line, with an average age of 17 years. In June, four “Ivolga” model trains entered service; the entire rolling stock fleet is planned to be renewed by 2030.

This will be followed by the renewal of trains on the Paveletsky direction and on routes to Tula, Kaluga, Vladimir, and other cities.

In a recent interview, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow announced plans to purchase about 700 new cars for the Moscow metro under a new contract. “This is practically everything our Russian industry can produce,” he said. “Therefore, at this pace, approximately 350-370 cars per year, we will continue to renew the train fleet.”

Moscow Central Diameters

The Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) are a system of surface urban railway lines that integrate the city’s suburban commuter rail network with the central metro system. Launched in 2019, the project repurposed existing radial railway lines to create high-speed cross-city routes, significantly easing surface transport congestion. This initiative modernized a historic rail infrastructure that dates back to the 19th century, creating a vital new layer for the Moscow metropolitan area’s public transit.

Ivolga

Ivolga refers to the Ivolginsk Buddhist Monastery (Datsan), located in Buryatia, Russia. It was established in 1945 as the first and only Buddhist spiritual center permitted by the Soviet government. Today, it serves as the traditional seat of Buddhism in Russia and an important site of pilgrimage and cultural heritage.

Aeroexpress

Aeroexpress is a Russian airport rail link service connecting major city centers with airports in cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok. It was established in the early 2000s to provide a fast and reliable transportation option for air travelers, with the first line launching for Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in 2009. The service is known for its efficiency, helping to reduce travel time and alleviate road congestion to and from the airports.

Lastochka

“Lastochka” is the name for a modern Russian electric multiple-unit train, not a place or cultural site. It was introduced in 2014 to provide high-speed suburban and intercity service, primarily to support transportation for events like the Sochi Winter Olympics. The name, which means “swallow” in Russian, reflects the train’s speed and sleek design.

Moscow Railway

The Moscow Railway is the central hub of Russia’s vast railway network, originating with the first line connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg in 1851. It has since grown into a critical infrastructure system, famous for its iconic stations and its role in the city’s development and the country’s transportation.

Yaroslavl direction

The Yaroslavl direction refers to the major transportation corridor leading northeast from Moscow towards the historic city of Yaroslavl, one of the principal cities of Russia’s historic “Golden Ring.” This route has been a vital trade and cultural artery for centuries, connecting the capital to the Upper Volga region. It is famously associated with the Trans-Siberian Railway, which begins its epic journey eastward from Moscow along this very route.

Paveletsky direction

The Paveletsky direction is a major railway line in Moscow, Russia, connecting the city’s Paveletsky Station to the southern and southeastern regions of the country. It was historically significant as the route for Lenin’s funeral train in 1924, which was transported to Moscow for his state funeral. Today, it remains a vital transport corridor for both commuter trains and long-distance services.

Moscow metro

The Moscow Metro is a world-renowned rapid transit system that opened in 1935 under Stalin’s Soviet Union. It is famous for its “palaces for the people,” featuring stations with stunning architecture, grand chandeliers, marble columns, mosaics, and socialist realist artwork. These elaborate designs were intended to showcase the power and prestige of the Soviet state to its citizens and the world.